University System of Georgia

University of North Georgia Convocation Center

Dahlonega, GA

The Convocation Center, a new multi-purpose building, is sited atop a knoll overlooking UNG's Dahlonega campus. When built it will encompass 103,000 gross square feet of academic and event space including athletic, cultural and convocation functions.

The LAS landscape design team is working to create a signature entry procession and monumental plaza space at the public entrance to the building. The plaza will function daily as a gathering spot for students and faculty but will come alive during large-scale events when throngs of visitors descend upon the campus. The diagonal arrangement responds to the axial views down the hill toward the historic parade grounds and is a way to organize both pedestrian circulation and service access on site. A student entry plaza, designed as a smaller, more intimate space on the opposite side of the building, is located at the terminus of a meandering path up the hillside to the northern façade of the building. Pedestrian access studies were conducted to ensure proper paths of travel from parking, from campus, from a planned parking deck and with surrounding existing academic buildings.